If you are an animal lover then you are off for a responsibility. Pets are like newborn kids and should be taken care of as small babies only, especially dogs. Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting thing, but there are many things you need to think about before introducing a four-legged friend to your family and home. Dogs can live around 15 to 18 years, so you need to make sure it is the right decision for you. These are the things you should consider before getting the dog to your family

1. Puppies take up a lot of time

Before committing to taking care of a puppy full-time, you need to make sure you have the time to take care of it. Leaving a dog alone for extended periods of time is unfair, so someone will need to be home to play with the pup. You will also have to commit time to train, groom, and walk your puppy.

2. Prepare Yourself for the Financial Obligation of Dog Ownership

Dogs are adorable, and loving, and make for perfect companions, but first-time dog owners should remember that your pooch will come with some necessary expenses. “There’s no such thing as a free or low-cost dog,” an expert says. “If you’re looking to budget to adopt a dog, I’d suggest reaching out to a local vet. They can give estimates on vaccines, food, heartworm prevention, and other expenses you can expect when you adopt.”

3. Puppy-proofing your home is essential

There are many things around your home that can be hazardous to a puppy. Dogs can’t eat chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, avocado, raisins, and many more things. Puppies can also be attracted to things such as washing liquids, dryer sheets, antifreeze, and cleaning products.

When puppy-proofing your home, make sure that you keep these items out of their reach. In the garden, you will have to cover any holes in fences and be careful when using fertilizers and pesticides as these can be toxic to dogs.

4. Gather His Supplies

Get everything you’ll need to make him safe and comfortable before bringing him home. In addition to the basics—a collar and leash, as well as food and water bowls—you’ll also need a dog bed, pet gate, toys, treats, and grooming supplies. It’s also a good idea to have training pads and enzymatic cleaner on hand for accidents in the early stages of house training.

5. Show Your Dog around the House 

Keep him on the leash as you let him explore and sniff inside. Show him his food, bed, and toys, and let him know what’s off limits with short but firm commands such as “no” or “leave it.”

6. Get Him Checked by a Vet

Within a week of bringing him home, you should visit a veterinarian for a health check and to make sure he has all his vaccinations.

Adopting a dog is a big transition for both the dog and your family. Covering these basics will help your new dog feel secure in his new surroundings and make it easier to bond with your new veterinarian

7. There are hypoallergenic breeds

Some people think they can’t have a pet because they have allergies, or are worried about developing allergies. If anyone in your family has allergies or if you have children, you might want to look for a hypoallergenic breed that doesn’t shed. Poodles, Maltese and Portuguese Waterdogs are all hypoallergenic breeds that don’t shed, but they will need to be groomed.